B.S. Geology

Students’ geology training will begin with an introduction to the earth’s physical processes and materials and a survey of the earth’s geologic history. Geology courses emphasize the various fields of study within the discipline, including mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, structure, field methods and paleontology. Field geology teaches you techniques used in field mapping, such as use of a pocket transit, GPS receiver, laser transit and other specialized equipment. Upper-level courses include the study of geologic maps, earth structures and the rock and fossil record. As a geology major, students will also take courses such as introductory calculus, chemistry and physics or biology.

B.S. Geology: Paleontology Option

The paleontology option gives motivated students a chance to combine a solid foundation in geology with an exploration of its interdisciplinary connections with botany or zoology.

Real-World Experience

Many courses include field trips that last from one to four days. Our required biennial, six-week Geology Summer Field Camp in South Dakota is considered by most students to be the unifying highlight of their studies. Knowledge from the classroom is put into practice here. Students look forward to sharing the learning experience with their fellow majors in South Dakota, Yellowstone and the Tetons.

The paleontology option joins together the strong field-based approach to geological education with a specimen-based approach to paleontology. A six-week geology field camp is a required part of the degree. Students are encouraged at an early stage to begin working on their own research projects.

Student Activities

The WIU Department of Geology offers two student organizations: (1) Sigma Gamma Epsilon, a national earth science honorary organization, and (2) the Geology Club. These organizations sponsor activities such as field trips, visiting lectures, picnics and fundraising.

Special Opportunities

The department offers small classes with accessible faculty in Tillman Hall. It also offers personalized professional advising, all labs taught by faculty members and undergraduate research opportunities. All interested and motivated geology students at Western have the opportunity to conduct original research under the direction of a faculty mentor. Most students present their research at regional or national meetings, with travel expenses partly or wholly covered by the department. Recently, students have worked on a wide variety of topics in hydrology, igneous petrology and sedimentary geology.

Department Minors

Geology

Additional Resources

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have built a record of success, working throughout the United States and in foreign countries for companies that range from small, independent entities to corporations such as U.S. Gypsum, Conoco, ARCO, Texaco, Chevron, U.S. Steel, EOG Resources and Marathon Exxon. Some alumni are teachers in community colleges and universities. Many of our students work for state or federal agencies. Approximately 25 percent of WIU’s geology graduates go on to complete higher degrees at universities like Arizona, Indiana, The Ohio State, Purdue, Stanford, Louisiana, Utah, Texas A&M and Wyoming. In the past, careers in geology concentrated on exploration for minerals or energy resources. While such careers are still important, geologists are now finding careers in areas related to the environment, engineering projects and water resources. Some geologists are even involved in space and planetary exploration.

Since a career in geology may lead to extensive travel, office work, laboratory experiments, field work or classroom teaching, students will find it helpful to develop skills in communication, foreign languages, business, economics, art and politics.

113 Energy and Earth Resources. (3) (General
Education/Natural Sciences) Introduction to energy,
water, soil, and mineral resources and the impact of
their use on the environment. Does not count toward
major or minor in Geology. No prerequisite.

115 Oceanography. (3) (General Education/Natural
Sciences) History of ocean exploration, origin and
nature of ocean basins, composition and circulation of
ocean water, modern developments in oceanography,
man and the oceans. Does not count toward major or
minor in Geology. No prerequisite.

181 (Cross-listed with BIOL 181) Integrated Science
I. (4) (General Education/Natural Sciences) A
laboratory course in interdisciplinary science with an
emphasis on the nature and evolution of life and Earth. Topics include ecology, natural resources, formation of
Earth materials, Earth processes, nutrient cycling, cell
biology, genetics, and evolution. (Integrated Science II
is PHYS/GEOG 182) Not open to students with credit in
BIOL 181. Prerequisite: MATH 099N.

200 Mineralogy. (4) Introduction to crystallography,
origin, classification, identification, and occurrence of
common minerals. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or GEOG 121.
Student should have basic knowledge of high school or
introductory college chemistry. 3 hrs. lect.; 2 hrs. lab.

361, 362 Summer Field Camp. (3–6 each, not
repeatable) Measurement of stratigraphic and
structural sections, geological field mapping, and
preparation of reports. Prerequisites: GEOL 200, 301,
310, 320, 340, or consent of instructor. At field station
in South Dakota.

450 Geology of National Parks and Monuments.
(1–3, repeatable to 3) Basic geologic processes and
principles are used to explain the geological history
and features of selected national parks and monuments.
Lecture course supplemented with slides, maps, and
specimens from areas to be studied. No prerequisite.

460 Special Problems in Geology and Geophysics.
(1–5, repeatable to 5) Research problems. Does not
count toward minor in Geology. Prerequisite: consent of
instructor prior to registration.

461 Geologic Field Trips. (1–4, repeatable to 4) Field trips in geology or geophysics. Does not fulfill
requirement for a minor in Geology. Prerequisite: GEOL
110, or GEOL 112, or concurrent registration in these
courses and consent of instructor.

462 Honors Research Thesis. (2–3, repeatable to 3
to complete project) Research problems by agreement
of student and advisory committee. Required: written
proposal, final written report, and oral report.
Prerequisites: GPA of 3.40 overall and 3.20 in Geology,
completed 26 s.h. in Geology, junior or senior standing,
and approval of advisory committee.